How to Plan a Cremation Service
What is Cremation Planning?
The popularity of cremation in the United States has been on a steady rise for the past 50 years. As the popularity grows, we receive more and more questions about cremation. Many people are still confused about cremation, and we often hear misconceptions about cremation. Though planning a cremation is quite similar to planning a traditional funeral, you do have more options when it comes to services. You could stick with a traditional funeral and visitation prior to the cremation itself, host a less formal, yet still structured memorial service after the cremation has taken place, or plan a very casual celebration of life.
12 Step Cremation Planning Checklist
- Contact the funeral home and arrange for removal of your loved one from the place of death.
- Review the deceased's will. If you are pre-planning your cremation, ensure to keep plainly state that you prefer cremation over burial. If you are a loved one planning a cremation service for someone else, it's important to review the will to ensure no detail is left out.
- Consider funeral expenses. Think about what your family can afford and how you will pay. Were these arrangements already paid for by the deceased?
- If you wish to hold a ceremony, you need to choose the type of ceremony – a traditional funeral, a memorial service, a celebration of life, etc.
- Meet with one of our funeral directors to create and finalize the funeral arrangement details.
- Select the appropriate funeral products and accessories to help honor your loved one – a casket, headstone, urn, flowers, prayer cards, photos, etc.
- Choose the music or hymns to be played during the service
- Make note of any important details you or the deceased would want in the obituary.
- If your loved one was in the military, see if he/she is eligible for veteran death benefits. By picking cremation as the disposition method, it does not mean you need to forego any of the veteran death benefits presented during a traditional burial.
- Organize who will be saying prayers, the eulogy, and other remarks during the ceremony. Also select the prayers to be said and prepare the eulogy.
- Think about logistics. Plan where the ceremony will take place, the valet to pick up your family members, and how your loved one will be transported. You may need to consider which church to have the funeral, and which cemetery your loved one should be laid to rest at.
- Notify family and friends of when and where the ceremony will take place.
Check out our cremation packages to learn more about your service options.
4 Tips for Planning a Meaningful Cremation in Tacoma, WA
01
Clothing
Is there a special set of clothes (such as a military uniform or favorite dress) your loved one would appreciate the thought of wearing? This will be a focus of the cremation arrangement conversation, and you will be advised by your funeral director as to your best options regarding jewelry or other valuable personal items.
02
Keepsakes
Are there any keepsake items you'd like to include in their cremation casket? Perhaps there's a special memento, such as a treasured photograph or letter? We sometimes suggest family members write cards, notes or letters to their deceased loved one, and place them in the casket prior to the cremation.
03
Witnessing Cremation
Would you or other family members like to be present for–or participate to some degree in–your loved one's cremation? Because we know how healing it can be to take part in an act of "letting go", we welcome the opportunity to bring interested family or friends into the crematory. Please discuss your desire to participate with your funeral director.
04
Container
What will you keep the cremated remains or ashes in after the cremation or the service? Many families are simply unaware that they can purchase a cremation urn to be placed in a special place such as the family home. We offer a large selection of urns that will help memorialize your loved one. Ask one of our caring funeral director's to see the wide variety of urns.
What to Consider When Selecting a Cremation Provider
Finding the right cremation provider and knowing what questions to ask can be challenging. Doing your due diligence and taking the time to compare and research your options is essential. Here are some things to consider when selecting a cremation provider in Tacoma, WA:
- Cost: One of the most important factors to consider when making arrangements with a cremation provider is the cost. It is essential to understand the costs associated with the cremation services and any additional fees associated with them. So be sure to ask.
- Credibility: It is important to determine the credibility of the cremation provider and make sure they are trustworthy and reliable. Be sure to ask for references and do your research to ensure the cremation provider is reputable.
- Services: Another important factor to consider when making arrangements with a cremation provider is their services. Ask about the services they provide, such as transportation of the remains, cremation services, processing paperwork, and memorial services.
- Availability: Another important factor to consider is the availability of the cremation provider. Ask about their hours of operation and if they offer any after-hours services.
- Facilities: Ask about the facilities that the cremation provider has available. Please ensure the facilities are clean and modern and offer your needed services.
- Staff: It is important to ask about the cremation provider's staff. Ask about their experience and qualifications, and ensure they are knowledgeable and compassionate.
So remember, it is essential to take the time to research and compare different cremation providers to find the one that best meets your requirements. Ask the right questions and ensure you are comfortable with their services and facilities.